I'm in the middle of replacing the flex discs and the center support bearing on my '91 190E. When I got the drive shaft out, and was inspecting the U-Joint, I was surprised to find that although it felt smooth, it had definite detents at the straight position in both directions. Is this normal or do I have to replace the shaft? :( Anyone with experience here? Car has 117K on it.
Thanks

Put it back in and you will be fine. These are the limits at where the thing normally runs. The deflection of these shafts is minimal, so you will have some wear detents in the bearings. I'd run it. I have taken out a literal hundred that were this way and have never had one come back.

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Benzmac:
1981 280GE SWB
1987 16V
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
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Benzmac,

When I removed my driveshaft ('87 300D) I removed it with front/rear still together and the U-joint was perfectly smooth in all directions. then, I secured the rear shaft flange and loosened the large hex nut to separate the shafts. after that, it had the "detents in both straight positions". is this normal, is there a reason that's easy to understand?

Thanks,
Brian

I'll revive this question from the past at this time.

My u-joint has the exact same detents. It vibrates when the car is cold, around 35+ mph.

Does anyone know the answer to the original question?

Thanks